Appropriately, to make a fresh start, the first match of the new millennium in Leinster hockey circles is the Under-21 Cup final at Grange Road on Monday (2.0). The participants are Glenanne, winners for the fourth time in 1998, and Aer Lingus, appearing in their first decider.

It promises to be a fascinating game as Glenanne are powered by Stephen Butler and spurred by Graham Shaw, with the backing of a third member of the all-conquering senior team, David Shaw. But Aer Lingus may be better balanced as they include a large proportion of their first XI, of whom the Bane brothers, David and Eamonn, and Adrian Sweeney will be key figures in the quest for the trophy.

The opening competitive contest in 2000 is scheduled for Ballincollig on Sunday when Belvedere are hosts to Bandon in the Munster Premier League.

It was fitting, in 1999, that Cork C of I and Harlequins II crowned Munster's centenary year in carrying off the Irish Senior and Junior Cups. The outstanding club side of the century was undoubtedly Lisnagarvey in winning the Senior Cup for seven seasons in-a-row (1988-94) while most followers would rate Terry Gregg as Ireland's finest player.